Upgrade Your Instant Ramen Noodles

Get to know a new side of quick prep ramen noodles – and all of its mealtime potential.

Ramen is the new “it” food – showing up in gourmet settings, with gourmet ingredients, and loved by gourmet foodies. It’s now seen as a first-rate option. It’s still quick prep – which adds to its appeal – and makes it a great option for the whole family on any given night.

Check out our two ideas below. And have some Bounty paper towels on hand to wipe up any soupy, drippy goodness.

Place a pot over medium-high heat and add bacon. Render until crispy. Remove half of the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb the grease

To the remaining bacon and drippings, add the ginger and garlic, sauté for one minute. Add the miso paste and red pepper flakes and stir until incorporated

Add stock and bring to a simmer for 30 minutes, then strain out and discard bacon, garlic and ginger. Stir in the soy sauce, vinegars and toasted sesame oil and keep warm until ready to serve

Make the soft-boiled eggs at this point but do not drain the water when finished. Instead, return the water to a simmer and cook the ramen noodles for two to three minutes or until tender. Drain, rinse and set aside

To serve, divide the baby spinach, shallot and the cooked noodles between two bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and top each bowl with the crisped bacon, soft-boiled eggs, scallions and hot sauce. Serve immediately